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Air New Zealand Sets May 18 Bookings for Economy ‘Skynest’ Beds on JFKAuckland Flights

The paid bunk pods give long‑haul coach travelers a timed lie‑flat break designed to ease 17‑hour journeys.

Overview

  • Air New Zealand, which unveiled the service Tuesday, will open Skynest bookings May 18 for flights starting in November 2026 between Auckland and New York.
  • Each 787-9 will carry six bunk-style pods positioned between Economy and Premium Economy for customers aged 15 and up, sold in two four-hour sessions per flight.
  • Sessions cost $495 per person and are limited to one per passenger, with slots planned outside meal service to protect sleep time.
  • Pods include a full-length mattress with fresh bedding, a privacy curtain, soft wake lighting, ventilation, USB charging and an amenity kit, with linens changed between sessions.
  • The airline spent years developing and testing the concept and says it builds on its Skycouch legacy to make ultra long-haul travel to remote New Zealand more manageable.